Assassin's Creed 3 Wiki Guide

Trip Mine

The Trip Mine is a weapon that is very risky to use. It can be found under the Tool tab of Connor's Weapon Wheel. When placed on the ground it creates a perimeter that will detonate the mine when it is passed through. While it is powerful, the Mine will not distinguish friend from foe. If you, your Assassins, or your allies come into this area they will also be seriously damaged from the explosion. This is a weapon best used when sneaking around guards. After learning their walk pattern place the mine within their walking path. When they walk they will eventually come in contact with it. It is strongly recommended to not use a Trip Mine if you will be calling in your Assassins for assistance, or you have an ally in tow, as they could be wounded, and even cause you to fail the mission. Trip Mines are difficult to place during open combat. They can also be used to kill animals, though skinned spoils will be damaged.

Trip mines come very handy while looting a convey. If you timed right and placed it in the road before the convey approaches. Then it will deal with them, at least with 3 guys and officer.

You can also blow trip mine using pistol or musket.

Can be used in open conflict counter. Press the counter then secondary button. While countering you can also throw him (that one you attached mine) at other guards. Trip mine will take all of them. And also ,use the analong stick to throw at a particular direction.